Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli (One-Pan)

Need dinner on the table in a flash? Look no further.

This Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli dish is the kind of weeknight miracle we all need—quick, healthy, and packed with flavor.

Garlicky, buttery shrimp pair perfectly with crisp-tender broccoli, creating a mouthwatering, protein-rich dish that feels indulgent but comes together in minutes.

Whether you’re low-carb, keto, gluten-free, or just plain hungry, this one-pan wonder is the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself making on repeat.

Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli

• Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, including prep.
• Healthy and nutritious: High in protein, low in carbs, and full of vitamins.
• Minimal cleanup: One pan means fewer dishes and more time to relax.
• Versatile: Easily customizable with different veggies, seasonings, or sides.
• Family-friendly: Even picky eaters enjoy the buttery, garlicky goodness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this dish, you’ll need just a handful of basic ingredients:

• Shrimp: Medium or large, peeled and deveined. Fresh or thawed frozen shrimp both work well.
• Broccoli: Fresh florets give the best texture, but frozen can be used in a pinch.
• Garlic: Use fresh minced garlic for the boldest flavor.
• Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal to control the salt level.
• Olive Oil: Helps sauté the broccoli and shrimp while adding flavor depth.
• Lemon Juice: Balances out the richness of the butter and adds a burst of freshness.
• Salt and Pepper: To season to taste.
• Optional: Red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

How to Make Garlic Butter Shrimp and Broccoli

1. Prep the Ingredients

Start by patting the shrimp dry and seasoning them with salt and pepper. Chop broccoli into small florets, and mince the garlic finely.

2. Cook the Broccoli

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the broccoli and sauté for 4–5 minutes until it’s bright green and just tender. Remove it from the skillet and set aside.

3. Sauté the Shrimp

Add a bit more oil if needed, then place the shrimp in the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Remove and set aside with the broccoli.

4. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Lower the heat and melt butter in the same pan. Add the garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Stir in a splash of lemon juice.

5. Combine and Serve

Return the shrimp and broccoli to the skillet and toss everything together in the garlic butter sauce. Cook for another minute or two to heat through, then serve immediately.

Cooking Tips and Variations

• Use jumbo shrimp for a meatier bite, or smaller shrimp for a quicker cook time.
• Don’t overcook the shrimp. They should just turn pink and curl slightly.
• Try different vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, asparagus, or zucchini.
• Add heat with chili flakes, sriracha, or cayenne pepper.
• Serve over a base like rice, pasta, quinoa, or cauliflower rice to make it a complete meal.
• Make it dairy-free by swapping butter with vegan butter or extra olive oil.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: This dish is best fresh, but you can freeze it for up to a month.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to avoid drying out. Avoid microwaving for too long, as shrimp can become rubbery.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving Estimate)

• Calories: 280–350 (varies based on serving size)
• Protein: 25–30g
• Fat: 18–22g
• Carbohydrates: 5–8g
• Fiber: 2–3g

This dish is naturally low in carbs, high in protein, and packed with nutrients from both the shrimp and broccoli, making it a great option for a balanced diet.

Recipe FAQ’s

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just be sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture in the pan.

Can I make this ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the ingredients ahead and cook just before serving.

Can I substitute frozen broccoli?

Absolutely. Just steam or microwave it first and drain any excess water before adding it to the skillet.